COATES, AMOS, a much respected resident of
Jacksonville, Morgan County, Ill., who was formerly engaged in the pursuits of
blacksmithing and farming, but is now enjoying the quietude of a comfortable and
honorable retirement, was born in Yorkshire, England, December 25, 1826. He is
the son of Jonathan and Hannah Coates, also natives of England.

Amos Coates came alone to the United States about 1850, and proceeded
directly to Morgan County. H had learned the trade of a blacksmith in his native
land, and for ten years followed that occupation at Lynnville, Morgan County. In
1859 or 1860, he bought a farm west of the town, and afterward rented other
land, which he cultivated until his removal to Jacksonville, where he has lived
nearly half a century. He continued at his trade in Jacksonville until about
1875, when he relinquished active efforts. He still owns a farm of 120 acres,
and is the owner of his residence in the city.

In 1874, Mr. Coates was married in Jacksonville to Mrs. Elizabeth Thompson,
who was born in Ireland. In political affairs he acts with the Republican party,
but has never aspired to public office. His religious connections are with the
State Street Methodist Episcopal Church, of Jacksonville. Mr. Coates is known in
Jacksonville as a man of strict probity, and his long connection with this
community has won for him wide respect and good will.